Axes are tools mentioned in the Bible primarily for their use in cutting wood and as instruments of warfare. They are emblematic of both constructive and destructive power, serving as symbols in various biblical narratives and teachings.

Old Testament References

In the Old Testament, axes are frequently associated with the felling of trees, a common task in ancient Israelite society. Deuteronomy 19:5 provides a practical example: "For instance, a man may go into the forest with his neighbor to cut wood, and as he swings his axe to fell a tree, the head may fly off and hit his neighbor and kill him." This passage underscores the everyday use of axes and the potential dangers associated with their use.

Axes also appear in the context of warfare and judgment. In Jeremiah 46:22, the prophet describes the sound of Egypt's defeat: "Egypt will hiss like a fleeing serpent, for the enemy will advance in force; they will come against her with axes, like woodcutters." Here, the axe symbolizes the impending destruction and judgment upon Egypt by foreign invaders.

Symbolism and Metaphor

The axe is used metaphorically in several biblical passages to convey themes of judgment and repentance. In Isaiah 10:15, the prophet uses the imagery of an axe to illustrate the futility of boasting against one's maker: "Does the axe raise itself above the one who swings it, or the saw boast against the one who uses it?" This metaphor highlights the sovereignty of God over human instruments and actions.

In the New Testament, John the Baptist employs the imagery of an axe to call for repentance and warn of impending judgment. In Matthew 3:10, he declares, "The axe is already laid at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire." This vivid imagery serves as a call to spiritual renewal and the urgency of bearing fruit in keeping with repentance.

Craftsmanship and Construction

Axes were essential tools in the construction of buildings and the crafting of various wooden implements. The construction of the Temple by Solomon likely involved the use of axes, as skilled laborers would have needed them to shape timber for the structure. Although not explicitly mentioned in the context of the Temple's construction, the use of axes can be inferred from the general practices of the time.

Cultural and Historical Context

In ancient Near Eastern cultures, axes were made from materials such as bronze and iron, reflecting the technological advancements of the period. The transition from bronze to iron axes marked a significant development in tool-making, allowing for more efficient woodcutting and construction.

The presence of axes in biblical narratives reflects their importance in daily life, warfare, and religious symbolism. They serve as reminders of human dependence on tools for survival and the divine authority that governs all creation.(n.) Plural of Axis.4037. magzerah -- a cutting instrument, axe
... 4036, 4037. magzerah. 4038 . a cutting instrument, axe. Transliteration: magzerah
Phonetic Spelling: (mag-zay-raw') Short Definition: axes. ...
/hebrew/4037.htm - 6k

4050. megerah -- a saw
... Word Origin from garar Definition a saw NASB Word Usage axes (1), saws (3). axe,
saw. From garar; a saw -- axe, saw. see HEBREW garar. 4049, 4050. ...
/hebrew/4050.htm - 6k

2719. chereb -- a sword
... Word Origin from charab Definition a sword NASB Word Usage axes (1), knives
(2), sword (390), swords (18), swordsmen* (1), tool (1). ...
/hebrew/2719.htm - 6k

7134. qardom -- an axe
... Word Origin of uncertain derivation Definition an axe NASB Word Usage axe (3), axes
(2). ax. Perhaps from qadam in the sense of striking upon; an axe -- ax. ...
/hebrew/7134.htm - 6k

The Riot
... daubed the frescoes with mud, tore down the candelabra, broke off the heads and
noses of the statues, hacked at the trees in the grounds with axes, and in ten ...
/.../gathering clouds a tale of the days of st chrysostom/chapter ii the riot.htm

The Death of Saint David.
... Knight after knight sank down under the terrific blows of the Pagan clubs and
battle-axes, till there seemed but little prospect that the patriot army would ...
/.../kingston/the seven champions of christendom/chapter sixteen the death of.htm

The Doom of the Antichrist
... A man was famous according as he had lifted up axes upon the thick trees. But now
they break down the carved work thereof at once with axes and hammers. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/the doom of the antichrist.htm

Caput xv.
... what the sacerdotal? what the girdles? what the rods? what the spears? what the
battle-axes? what the measuring lines? what the winds? what the clouds? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/dionysius/on the heavenly hierarchy/caput xv.htm

The Sixt Part.
... that he may strike the Aramites, not three but five times till they be consumed;
that he may put the Ammonites under the yron sawes, harrowes, axes, which have ...
/.../ward/a coal from the altar to kindle the holy fire of zeale/the sixt part.htm

The Story of Noah and the Ark
... All the people in the time of Enoch were not shepherds. Some of them had
learned how to make rude bows and arrows and axes and plows. ...
/.../marshall/the wonder book of bible stories/the story of noah and.htm

Salvation Army Publications
... Cloth, 1s. Bible Battle-Axes. A reprint of Short Scripture Studies from 'The Field
Officer' magazine. Carefully revised.178 pages. Cloth, 1s. Our Master. ...
/.../howard/standards of life and service/salvation army publications.htm

And So, Having Made These Remarks as it were by Way of Preface...
... Are you not yourselves every day, in your efforts to illumine the darkness of antiquity,
cutting and hewing with the new axes of imperial rescripts and edicts ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/apology/chapter iv and so having.htm

But I Pass from These Remarks, for I Know and I am Going to Show.. ...
... You tear the sides of Christians with your claws; but in the case of your own gods,
axes, and planes, and rasps are put to work more vigorously on every member ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/apology/chapter xii but i pass.htm

A Fit and Auspicious Day was Sought Out for the Accomplishment of ...
... Then the Pretorian Guards came in battle array, with axes and other iron instruments,
and having been let loose everywhere, they in a few hours levelled that ...
/.../lactantius/of the manner in which the persecutors died/chap xii a fit and.htm

Axes (10 Occurrences)
...Axes (10 Occurrences). ... 1 Samuel 13:21 yet they had a file for the mattocks, and for
the plowshares, and for the forks, and for the axes, and to set the goads. ...
/a/axes.htm - 9k

Axhead (1 Occurrence)
... The modern ax used by the woodchoppers in Syria has a shape much like the ancient
stone and bronze axes, with the exception that it is fastened to the handle ...
/a/axhead.htm - 10k

Axe (19 Occurrences)
... The modern ax used by the woodchoppers in Syria has a shape much like the ancient
stone and bronze axes, with the exception that it is fastened to the handle ...
/a/axe.htm - 18k

Ax (12 Occurrences)
... The modern ax used by the woodchoppers in Syria has a shape much like the ancient
stone and bronze axes, with the exception that it is fastened to the handle ...
/a/ax.htm - 14k

Ax-head
... The modern ax used by the woodchoppers in Syria has a shape much like the ancient
stone and bronze axes, with the exception that it is fastened to the handle ...
/a/ax-head.htm - 9k

Grain-crushers (2 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 12:31 And he took the people out of the town and put them to work with
wood-cutting instruments, and iron grain-crushers, and iron axes, and at brick ...
/g/grain-crushers.htm - 7k

Wood-cutting (2 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 12:31 And he took the people out of the town and put them to work with
wood-cutting instruments, and iron grain-crushers, and iron axes, and at brick ...
/w/wood-cutting.htm - 7k

Mattock (2 Occurrences)
... "mauls." The Revised Version renders "in their ruins," marg. "with their axes."
The Hebrew text is probably corrupt. Noah Webster's Dictionary. ...
/m/mattock.htm - 8k

Picks (7 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 12:31 He brought forth the people who were therein, and put them under
saws, and under iron picks, and under axes of iron, and made them pass through ...
/p/picks.htm - 8k

Ploughs (2 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 13:20 But all the Israelites had to go to the Philistines to get their
ploughs and blades and axes and hooks made sharp; (BBE DBY YLT). ...
/p/ploughs.htm - 7k

Axes: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus